Homework Policy

Homework Policy Statement Homework is a valued part of education at Varsity College. There is a high expectation that all students, parents/guardians and staff will develop consistent practices to ensure maximum benefit for all students from an effective homework program. The interest that is shown by parents/guardians in the work that students bring home is a great help in ensuring successful learning at school. Homework is not intended to be a chore for the parent/guardian, teacher or the student but instead an opportunity for parents and students to discuss school activities and to help students develop good study and organisational habits. Teachers plan a homework program to consolidate the development of important skills that are being established in class. The following table outlines the expectations for students in the implementation of a homework program that will most benefit their learning.

Year Level Content Time Allocation

P-3 Reading (Years P, 1, 2 & 3)

Sight vocab words (Years 1, 2 & 3)

Spelling (Years 2 & 3)

Basic maths facts (Year 3)

15 min per school night

4-6 Reading

Spelling

Maths facts-tables

Some completion of class work

25 min per school night Mon-Thurs

7-9 Reading

Spelling & Grammar- as per teacher practice

Maths practice as directed by teacher

Completion of task as directed by teacher

Ongoing work on assignments (Years 8 & 9)

40 min per school night Mon-Thurs

10-12 Reading

Ongoing work on assignments

Completion of tasks as directed by teacher

Revision of class work for all subjects

60 min (Year 10) – 90 min (Years 11/12) per night minimum and more as required

The following strategies have been developed by Varsity College staff to ensure that homework becomes an important part of the student learning program.

Students The following strategies should be employed by students to maximise success in their learning:

o Check the assessment calendar on a regular basis (secondary students) o Complete/attempt all homework to the best of their ability o Complete homework in advance of due dates - do not leave it until the last minute o Seek assistance from a teacher prior to the due date if you have difficulty with the homework

tasks o Submit all homework on time o Have a study plan that matches your commitments for the week and all family requirements o Seek assistance from teachers/parents when needed o Senior secondary students are encouraged to regularly access peer study forums (after

school or online) to assist in preparation for exams o Maintain a life balance to ensure that physical activity, cultural and recreational activities and

part time employment requirements are maintained

Teachers The following strategies will be employed by teachers to support their students in developing a routine of regular, independent study:

o Set homework on a consistent basis especially in English and Maths (Prep to Year 9) o Clearly communicate the purpose, benefits and expectations of all homework o Maintain records of all homework completed o Set homework that is varied, challenging, directly related to class work and appropriate to

student learning needs o Ensure that students receive regular feedback on their performance in the completion of

homework tasks o Explicitly teach strategies to develop organisational and time management skills, providing

opportunities to practise these strategies through homework o Give consideration to other academic and personal development activities that students could

be engaged in when setting homework o Discuss with parents/guardians any developing problems concerning their child’s homework

and suggest strategies to assist with their homework.

Parents/Guardians The following strategies will enable parents to help their child maximise the benefit gained from homework:

o Set a consistent time for homework to be completed o Support/facilitate/supervise children, especially at the start of the year to ensure that they

fully concentrate on the tasks required o Encourage children to complete all homework that has been set, preferably as soon as

possible, rather than waiting until the night before it is due o Provide appropriate equipment/environment that enables children to immerse themselves in

the study without distractions o Establish a consistent routine for completing homework to best meet the needs of your family

and other commitments o Check the assessment calendars for secondary students and the parent overviews for

primary students communicated by email and on the web site o Keep a balance on the amount of time spent watching TV, playing computers and recreational

games o Encourage Year 10/11/12 students to take an interest in local, national and international

events o Check/view child’s homework and take a real interest in the development of their assignments

whenever possible Parents are advised to contact teachers should their child show a reluctance to complete homework. The development of good habits in the early years of education will reap many rewards in the senior years of schooling. The College staff offer all parents every assistance necessary to ensure the planning, implementation and maintenance of a successful homework routine.

Relevant legislation and policy Section 427: Homework guidelines for State schools

(1) The chief executive may make guidelines about homework for state schools. (2) Issues that may be addressed by a guideline include the following –

a. The purpose of homework; b. Homework approaches appropriate to each stage of learning at a State School; c. The setting of homework tasks for a student appropriate to the student’s ability; d. The recommended amount of time a student should be expected to spend on

homework; e. The responsibilities of teachers, parents and students in relation to homework; f. The development and implementation of a homework policy by a State School

Principal. (3) A guideline may be amended or replaced by a later guideline made under this section.